[Python-Dev] PEP 414 - Unicode Literals for Python 3 (original) (raw)

martin at v.loewis.de martin at v.loewis.de
Tue Feb 28 01:16:01 CET 2012

On 2/27/12 9:58 PM, R. David Murray wrote:

But the PEP doesn't address the unicodeliterals plus str() approach. That is, the rationale currently makes a false claim. Which would be exactly what that u() does not do?

Armin, I propose that you correct the factual deficits of the PEP (i.e. remove all claims that cannot be supported by facts, or are otherwise incorrect or misleading). Many readers here would be more open to accepting the PEP if it was factual rather than polemic. The PEP author is supposed to collect all arguments, even the ones he doesn't agree with, and refute them.

In this specific issue, the PEP states

"the unicode_literals import the native string type is no longer available and has to be incorrectly labeled as bytestring"

This is incorrect: even though the native string type indeed is no longer available, it is not consequential that it has to be labeled as byte string. Instead, you can use the str() function.

It may be that you don't like that solution for some reason. If so, please mention the approach in the PEP, along with your reason for not liking it.

Regards, Martin

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